Does Petco Sell Fish? Petco Fish, Prices & What to Know
If you are wondering does Petco sell fish, the answer is yes. Petco sells a wide selection of live aquatic animals, including freshwater fish, saltwater fish, bettas, GloFish, pond fish, and other aquatic life. Its current online selection also includes fish such as goldfish, guppies, tetras, platies, cichlids, plecos, and more.
However, the exact fish available can vary by location. Some species may be available online, while others may be offered only at selected stores. If you are planning to buy a fish, it is smart to check your local Petco before making the trip.
Does Petco Sell Fish?
Yes, Petco sells fish both through its aquatic-life selection and at participating stores.
Petco’s current aquatic-life category includes freshwater fish, saltwater fish, betta fish, pond fish, GloFish, aquatic invertebrates, live aquatic plants, and coral. The company also provides aquarium supplies, food, filtration equipment, water-care products, and other products needed to maintain a fish tank.
That makes Petco a convenient option if you want to purchase a fish and aquarium supplies in one place.
For example, Petco currently lists freshwater species such as:
- Bettas
- Goldfish
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Platies
- Cichlids
- Plecos
- Danios
- Barbs
- Catfish
- Gouramis
- Angelfish
- GloFish
The exact selection changes, so always check the current inventory at your nearest store.
What Fish Does Petco Sell?
The types of fish available at Petco depend on the store and current inventory. Still, the company offers a broad selection of freshwater and marine fish.
Freshwater Fish
Freshwater fish are among the most common choices for home aquariums. Petco currently lists categories including bettas, GloFish, community fish, schooling fish, goldfish and koi, cichlids, bottom dwellers, and other freshwater species.
Popular choices include:
- Betta fish
- Goldfish
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Platies
- Mollies
- Corydoras
- Danios
- Gouramis
- Cichlids
- Plecos
Petco’s current freshwater catalog contains hundreds of listings, although availability varies by location.
Betta Fish
Betta fish are one of the most recognizable fish sold at large pet stores. Petco currently lists numerous betta varieties, including veiltail, crowntail, halfmoon, koi, and other color and fin types. Current listings show prices ranging from inexpensive standard bettas to higher-priced specialty varieties.
Remember that a betta still needs an appropriate aquarium, filtration, heating, water conditioning, and regular maintenance. A small container does not automatically make a fish easy to care for.
GloFish
Petco also sells GloFish varieties, including fluorescent tetras, danios, and tiger barbs. Current Petco listings show multiple GloFish varieties sold in groups.
Before buying GloFish, make sure your aquarium is large enough and that the fish you select are compatible with the other fish in your tank.
Saltwater Fish
Petco’s aquatic-life category also includes saltwater fish. However, saltwater aquariums generally require more equipment, monitoring, and experience than many beginner freshwater setups.
If you are new to keeping fish, freshwater species may be easier to start with.
How Much Does Fish Cost at Petco?
Fish prices at Petco vary significantly depending on the species, size, variety, and location.
Current Petco listings show examples such as:
| Fish | Example current price* |
|---|---|
| Baby Betta | $4.99 |
| Female Betta | $5.99 |
| Red Veiltail Betta | $7.99 |
| Opaline Gourami | $4.99 |
| Assorted Platies | $3.49 |
| Bala Shark | $6.49 |
| Cichlids | Around $11.99+ |
| GloFish varieties | Often sold in multi-fish packs |
*Prices and availability change. These are examples from Petco’s current online listings, not guaranteed local-store prices.
The fish itself is only part of the cost. You also need to budget for the aquarium, filter, heater when appropriate, water conditioner, food, lighting, substrate, decorations, and testing equipment.
So, a $5 fish does not mean you can responsibly set up an aquarium for $5.
Is Petco a Good Place to Buy Fish?
Petco can be a convenient place to buy aquarium fish, especially if you want to purchase fish and supplies from the same retailer.
The biggest advantages include:
- A wide range of freshwater species
- Betta and GloFish options
- Aquarium equipment and supplies
- Fish food and water treatments
- Online product information
- Store pickup options
- Aquarium-care guidance
Petco also says its stores provide aquatic guidance and aquarium water testing at participating locations.
However, the quality of fish care can vary between individual stores. Before buying, look closely at the fish and their tanks.
How to Choose Healthy Fish at Petco :
Knowing does Petco sell fish is only the first step. You also need to know how to choose a healthy fish.
Look for fish that:
- Swim normally
- Have clear eyes
- Have intact fins
- Show normal activity
- Have good coloration for the species
- Do not appear unusually thin
- Are not gasping at the surface
- Do not have obvious white spots, sores, or damaged bodies
Also inspect the aquarium.
A clean, well-maintained tank does not guarantee a healthy fish, but poor water conditions or visibly sick fish should make you pause before purchasing.
If something looks wrong, ask an employee about the fish’s condition and whether it has recently arrived.
What Should You Buy Before Bringing a Fish Home?
Buying the fish before preparing the aquarium is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.
Ideally, prepare the aquarium first.
Depending on the species, you may need:
- Aquarium
- Filter
- Heater
- Thermometer
- Aquarium light
- Water conditioner
- Water test kit
- Appropriate fish food
- Gravel or substrate
- Plants or decorations
- Fish net
- Aquarium maintenance equipment
The correct equipment depends on the species you plan to keep.
For example, a betta and a goldfish have very different long-term care requirements. Research the fish first instead of choosing equipment afterward.
Petco vs PetSmart: Where Can You Buy Fish?
If you’re comparing major pet stores, Petco and PetSmart both sell live fish.
PetSmart’s current aquatic section includes bettas, goldfish, GloFish, minnows, guppies, platies, cichlids, and other fish. Its current listings also show fish at a wide range of prices.
That means the better choice isn’t necessarily the same for every shopper.
| Feature | Petco | PetSmart |
|---|---|---|
| Live freshwater fish | Yes | Yes |
| Betta fish | Yes | Yes |
| GloFish | Yes | Yes |
| Goldfish | Yes | Yes |
| Aquarium supplies | Yes | Yes |
| Fish food | Yes | Yes |
| Water-care products | Yes | Yes |
| Store availability | Varies | Varies |
| Prices | Species-dependent | Species-dependent |
For a specific fish, compare the same species and variety at both stores rather than assuming one chain is always cheaper.
You can also read our related comparison:
Petco vs PetSmart: Which Is Cheaper in 2026?
Petco vs Local Fish Stores
A local fish store, often called an LFS, can be another option.
Local aquarium stores may specialize in fishkeeping and can sometimes offer species, equipment, or advice that large chain stores don’t carry.
For beginners, a knowledgeable local fish store can be especially useful when you need help with:
- Aquarium cycling
- Fish compatibility
- Water parameters
- Rare species
- Saltwater setups
- Disease identification
- Aquarium maintenance
On the other hand, large retailers such as Petco can be more convenient because they have many locations and sell fish alongside general pet supplies.
Recent aquarium-community discussions also show that hobbyists can have very different experiences with individual Petco and PetSmart locations, so store-level conditions matter more than simply choosing one chain over another.
Can You Buy Fish Online From Petco?
Yes. Petco currently offers online aquatic-life shopping, including freshwater fish and other aquatic animals. Its site provides options such as in-store pickup and same-day delivery for eligible products and locations.
However, live-animal availability and delivery options can depend on your location.
If you are specifically looking for a particular species, check the product listing and your local availability before ordering.
How to Find Petco Fish Near You :
If you want to buy a fish locally, search for a Petco near me and check the store’s aquatic department.
Before visiting, consider calling the store and asking:
- Do you currently have the species I want?
- How much does it cost?
- Is the fish eating normally?
- When did the fish arrive?
- Can you hold the fish?
- What aquarium size do you recommend?
This can save you a wasted trip, especially if you’re looking for a less common species.
What Should Beginners Know Before Buying Fish?
Fish can be rewarding pets, but they are not maintenance-free.
Before purchasing a fish, learn about:
Tank size: The aquarium should be appropriate for the adult size and behavior of the species.
Water quality: Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, and other parameters can affect fish health.
Filtration: A suitable filter helps maintain water quality and provides biological filtration.
Temperature: Tropical species often require stable warm water.
Compatibility: Not every fish can safely live with every other species.
Feeding: Different fish have different nutritional requirements.
Aquarium cycling: A properly established biological filter is an important part of maintaining a healthy aquarium.
Does Petco Test Aquarium Water?
Some Petco locations provide aquarium water testing.
Petco’s store information says its aquatics departments can test aquarium water to help aquarium owners maintain appropriate water conditions.
Because services can vary by location, contact your local store before visiting if water testing is important to you.
What Is the Best Fish to Buy at Petco for Beginners?
There isn’t one perfect beginner fish for everyone.
A beginner should choose a species based on the aquarium they can properly maintain rather than choosing a fish simply because it is inexpensive.
Bettas are popular because they can be kept individually and are widely available. However, they still need an appropriately sized, heated and filtered aquarium.
Small schooling fish such as tetras, danios, or certain livebearers can also be suitable for community aquariums when their group size, tank size, temperature, and compatibility requirements are met.
Goldfish are popular beginner pets, but they should not be treated as tiny-bowl fish. Their eventual size and waste production mean they require substantially more space and filtration than many new owners expect.
Is Petco Fish Worth Buying?
For many shoppers, Petco can be a convenient place to buy aquarium fish, particularly when a nearby store has healthy fish and knowledgeable staff.
The biggest advantage is convenience. You can often find live fish, food, tanks, filters, heaters, water treatments, and decorations in one place.
However, don’t choose a fish solely because it is cheap or attractive. Research its adult size, diet, temperature requirements, behavior, compatibility, and aquarium needs first.
The best fish purchase is one that matches the aquarium you can maintain long-term.
FAQs About Petco Fish:
Does Petco sell live fish?
Yes. Petco sells live freshwater fish, saltwater fish, bettas, GloFish, pond fish, and other aquatic life. Availability varies by location.
What fish does Petco sell?
Petco sells many types of fish, including bettas, goldfish, guppies, tetras, platies, cichlids, plecos, danios, GloFish, and various saltwater species.
How much does a fish cost at Petco?
Fish prices vary by species and location. Current Petco listings include inexpensive bettas and community fish as well as more expensive specialty fish and multi-fish GloFish packs.
Does Petco sell betta fish?
Yes. Petco currently lists many betta varieties, including veiltails, crowntails, halfmoons, koi bettas, and other varieties.
Does Petco sell goldfish?
Yes. Goldfish and koi are included among Petco’s freshwater fish categories.
Does Petco sell GloFish?
Yes. Petco currently sells several GloFish varieties, including tetras, danios, and tiger barbs.
Does Petco sell saltwater fish?
Yes. Petco’s aquatic-life category includes saltwater fish along with freshwater fish, bettas, pond fish, GloFish, invertebrates, plants, and coral.
Can I buy fish online from Petco?
Yes. Petco offers online aquatic-life shopping, although availability and delivery or pickup options depend on the product and location.
Is Petco or PetSmart better for fish?
Both retailers sell live fish. The better option depends on the species you want, price, local availability, fish condition, staff knowledge, and the aquarium supplies you need. PetSmart currently also offers a broad live-fish selection.
Should I buy a fish from Petco or a local fish store?
Either can be a good option. Compare fish health, species selection, prices, staff knowledge, and after-sale support. A reputable local fish store may be particularly useful for specialized aquarium setups.
What is the cheapest fish you can buy at Petco?
The cheapest fish at Petco can vary by location and availability. Current Petco listings show some freshwater fish starting around $4.99, including Baby Bettas, while other species and specialty fish cost more. Prices can change, so check your local Petco before buying.
Is it better to buy fish from Petco or PetSmart?
Both Petco and PetSmart sell freshwater fish, so the better choice depends on price, selection, local store conditions, and fish availability. PetSmart currently lists very inexpensive options such as Comet Goldfish and Rosy Red Minnows from $0.29, while Petco offers a wide selection of Bettas, GloFish, tetras, goldfish, cichlids, guppies, and other freshwater species.
Before buying, compare the fish’s price and condition at your local stores. Also consider the store’s aquarium maintenance and whether the fish appears active and healthy.
How much does a fish cost at Petco?
Petco fish prices vary considerably depending on the species, size, and variety. Current Petco listings include Baby Bettas for about $4.99, standard Bettas around $5.99–$9.99, and specialty fish that can cost much more. Petco’s freshwater selection includes Bettas, GloFish, tetras, guppies, goldfish, cichlids, plecos, and many other species.
Remember that the fish itself is only part of the cost. You may also need an aquarium, filter, heater, water conditioner, food, lighting, and other supplies.
Does Petco have good quality fish?
Petco takes measures to help ensure the health and safety of the live fish it sells. The quality of individual fish can still vary by species, shipment, and store, so inspect the fish before purchasing. Look for fish that are active, swimming normally, breathing normally, and free from obvious wounds or unusual spots.
Petco also provides a 30-day guarantee for freshwater aquatic life purchased in stores when kept in a properly established habitat. A receipt is required, and Petco recommends bringing a water sample for refunds or exchanges. Online aquatic-life purchases have a separate 7-day live-arrival guarantee.
